Circular Economy & Plastics
In Scotland, we currently consume as if we had three planets available to produce the resources we use and absorb the waste we create.
Scotland’s material consumption accounts for 82% of our entire carbon footprint.
Moving to a circular economy – one in which materials are kept in circulation for as long as possible, will reduce our material demands and is key to meeting our climate commitments.
In order to move towards a circular economy, major changes to the way we make products and consume resources will need to be made, bringing economic opportunities and innovation.
Consuming the planet
Over-consumption by the wealthy few is pushing our whole planet to breaking point. Rich-nation economies like Scotland are built on the idea of unlimited growth, forcing consumption levels that are driving the climate crisis.
We need our leaders to make decisions on the basis that consumption must have limits, so that we can play a vital role in the road to social and environmental justice.
A better economy
Research has shown it is possible to live a high quality life on a sustainable level of material consumption of about eight tonnes per person per year. Scotland’s material footprint is currently more than double this figure.
Keeping materials circulating in our economy for as long as possible would reduce the burden on the countries where materials are sourced, often through dangerous practises, and reduce the waste that is disposed of with harmful processes like incineration.
What we are doing
- Putting pressure on the Scottish Government to include robust carbon footprint and material reduction targets in the Circular Economy Bill
- Building public awareness and understanding of the need for a circular economy
- Influencing decision makers to stop harmful waste disposal practices
- Engaging communities in the fight against new incinerators in their area.
Stopping incineration
Incinerators contribute to climate change by emitting greenhouse gases from the waste they burn. They also make it more difficult to ensure potentially recyclable material is not wasted instead. We've achieved a moratorium on incineration which is a vital first step, but it must now be backed up with a planned phase out of existing incinerators.
Learn moreScotland has the materials, skills and demand to make this circular narrative a reality. We need a government willing to take bold steps towards a circular economy.
Kim Pratt, Circular Economy Campaigner
Recent successes
- The Scottish Government has put a moratorium on new incinerators and is conducting a review into the future of these polluting installations
- A bottle deposit return scheme for Scotland will be implemented next year with the potential to significantly reduce our amount of waste
- The Scottish Government has banned a range of single-use plastic items, including plastic cutlery, plates, straws and expanded polystyrene food containers and cups.
Latest Blogs
From concerned locals to national change: How Dovesdale Action Group built power and won
The Dovesdale Action Group’s inspiring story of resistance against incineration expansion plans shows us how building community power can spark national change.
The doorstep refill company making reuse easier
It’s vital we change the way we use materials in Scotland. We spoke to the founder of a reuse company to find out how it works.
How to cut your consumption this Christmas
The pressure to buy stuff is everywhere at Christmas, but you don’t need to spend money to celebrate. Here are some tips to have a more personal holiday that’s better for the planet.
Latest Press Releases
Scotland’s demand for transition materials linked to social and environmental harm
Campaigners have called on the Scottish Government to develop a strategy to limit the demand for materials required in the transition away from fossil fuels. This comes as a new…
Scottish Government fails to deliver on key recommendations of incineration review
The failure of the Scottish Government to commit to the main recommendations of its own review is a missed opportunity to phase out existing incinerators and end the harmful practice of burning plastics.
Delay to deposit return a blow to Scotland’s environment
Environmental campaigners are dismayed by the news that Scotland’s deposit return scheme, which was due to launch in August 2023, has been delayed until next year.
Resources
Circular Economy Bill briefing
Unearthing Injustice: A global approach to transition materials
Circular economy organisers pack
Friends of the Earth Scotlands response to the Grangemouth Inquiry
Briefing paper on Scotland’s deposit return scheme
Briefing paper with the latest information on Scotland’s deposit return scheme.
Aggregates tax consultation response
This response sets out our position on a devolved aggregates tax and notes several areas for attention which are important to consider.
Plastic Pollution
Plastic is a major contributor to climate change. The more plastic we make, the more greenhouse gas emissions we release into the atmosphere. As long as we continue to make plastic from fossil fuels (which makes up 90% of plastic in the EU) then we will continue to support the oil and gas industry, adding further fuel to the global climate crisis.
Learn more
Report: Circular Economy in action around the world - lessons for Scotland
This report highlights case studies of the circular economy in action around the world, divided into themes from food systems to the built environment and electronics. These are compared to Scotland’s position, indicating where progress can be made.
Read Now
Incineration
Incineration capacity in Scotland is set to increase to burn at least an extra one million tonnes of waste a year, which raises serious environmental concerns and creates a barrier to moving to a circular economy.
Find out more
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